Recommended Grooming Products for Sphynx & Elf Cats

Choosing the right grooming products can make caring for your Sphynx or Elf cat simple, safe and enjoyable. Hairless cats have unique skin care needs, so using products designed specifically for cats helps keep their skin clean, healthy and comfortable. Over the years, we’ve refined our own grooming routine and found a handful of products that consistently deliver excellent results.

This guide explains the essential grooming products every owner should have, what to avoid, and how to build a simple grooming kit that supports healthy skin all year round.

Gentle Cat Shampoo

A gentle, cat-specific shampoo is the foundation of healthy skin care for Sphynx and Elf cats. The goal isn’t to remove every natural oil, but to gently wash away excess build-up while protecting the skin’s natural barrier.

At Born Bold Cats, we recommend products we’ve used ourselves with excellent results, including ReNewed Pet Hairless Pet Shampoo and WellSphynx Shampoo. Both are specifically designed for the unique skin needs of hairless breeds and are gentle enough for regular use as part of a consistent grooming routine.

Look for:

Cat-specific shampoo
Gentle, soap-free formulas
Skin-friendly ingredients
Products designed for sensitive or hairless skin

Avoid:

Human shampoo
Dog shampoo
Harsh antibacterial products unless prescribed by your veterinarian
Products containing Pyrethrums as they are considered toxic for cats

Soft Microfibre Towels and Exfoliating Gloves

A quality microfibre towel and exfoliating gloves are one of the simplest but most useful grooming products you can own. They gently removed build up and dead skin and absorb water quickly while being gentle on your cat’s delicate skin, helping to dry them comfortably after a bath.

Having two towels available can make bath time even easier.

Ear Cleaner

Hairless cats naturally produce more ear wax than many coated breeds, making routine ear cleaning an important part of their grooming schedule.

At Born Bold Cats, we recommend ReNewed Pet Ear Cleaning Drops, which are specifically formulated for regular ear care and help remove wax and debris gently.

Only clean the visible part of the ear and never insert cotton buds into the ear canal.

Colloidal Silver Solution

A pet-safe colloidal silver solution can be a useful addition to your grooming kit.

At Born Bold Cats, we occasionally use a colloidal silver solution on a soft cotton pad to gently wipe away excess oil and surface dirt between baths. It can also be helpful for cleaning minor superficial abrasions and small scratches as part of normal skin hygiene as it is anti-bacterial and gentle.

It should never replace veterinary treatment. If your cat has a deep wound, persistent skin irritation, swelling, discharge or signs of infection, they should always be examined by your veterinarian.

Helpful uses include:

Wiping oily skin between baths
Cleaning minor superficial abrasions
Freshening skin folds when needed
Supporting a regular grooming routine

Cat Nail Clippers

Regular nail trimming keeps your cat comfortable and helps prevent nails from catching on furniture or becoming overgrown.

Choose nail clippers designed specifically for cats with sharp blades and a comfortable grip.

Remember to gently clean around the nail beds while trimming, as oil and wax commonly build up in this area.

Toothbrush and Cat Toothpaste

Good dental care is an important part of your cat’s long-term health.

Use a soft cat toothbrush or finger brush together with a toothpaste formulated specifically for cats.

Never use human toothpaste, as it can be harmful if swallowed.

Cotton Pads or Soft Cloths

Soft cotton pads or reusable cloths are useful for everyday grooming.

They are ideal for:

Cleaning around the eyes
Wiping skin folds
Removing excess oil between baths
Applying pet-safe grooming solutions when needed

Washable Bedding

Your cat spends many hours sleeping, and clean bedding plays a role in maintaining healthy skin.

Regularly washing blankets, beds and favourite sleeping spots helps reduce the build-up of oils, dirt and bacteria that can transfer back onto the skin.

Aim to wash bedding at least once a week, or more frequently if it becomes noticeably oily.

High-Quality Nutrition

Healthy skin begins from the inside.

A complete, balanced diet rich in high-quality animal protein, healthy fats and essential vitamins provides the nutrients your cat needs to maintain normal skin function.

Proper nutrition can also help support healthy skin turnover and overall wellbeing.

We recommend using a raw balanced diet with cats as they are obligate carnivores.

Moisturisers? Usually Not Needed

One of the biggest myths about Sphynx cats is that they require moisturiser.

In reality, healthy Sphynx skin regulates itself remarkably well. Applying unnecessary creams or oils can clog pores and contribute to oily skin, blackheads or irritation.

Only use moisturising products if they have been specifically recommended.

Products to Avoid

Not every product marketed for pets is suitable for hairless cats.

Avoid using:

Human shampoo
Dog shampoo
Essential oils
Tea tree products
Baby wipes containing alcohol or heavy fragrances
Human moisturisers
Alcohol-based skin cleaners
Hydrogen peroxide

When in doubt, choose products specifically formulated for cats.

Our Born Bold Approved Grooming Kit

The products we regularly recommend include:

ReNewed Pet Hairless Pet Shampoo
WellSphinx Shampoo
ReNewed Pet Ear Cleaning Drops
Pet-safe colloidal silver solution (for wiping between baths and cleaning minor superficial abrasions)
Soft microfibre towels
Cat nail clippers
Cat toothbrush and toothpaste
Soft cotton pads or reusable cloths
A high-quality, complete diet

Together, these products form the basis of a simple grooming routine that helps keep your Sphynx or Elf cat clean, comfortable and healthy.

Final Thoughts

Grooming your Sphynx or Elf cat doesn’t need to be complicated. With a handful of quality products and a consistent routine, most owners can keep their cat’s skin healthy, ears clean and nails well maintained.

At Born Bold Cats, we believe grooming is about much more than keeping your cat clean. Every bath, nail trim and skin check is an opportunity to monitor your cat’s health, strengthen your bond and identify small changes before they become bigger problems.

Choosing gentle, proven products and following a regular grooming schedule will help your hairless companion stay happy, healthy and looking their very best.

About the Author

Written by Jane Cockerton

BSc (Hons) Biological Science
Diploma in Feline Behaviour Science and Technology
Certificate in Cat Psychology and Training

Founder of Born Bold Cats and The Smart Cat Society, Jane Cockerton is an Australian feline behaviour specialist, qualified animal trainer and award-winning Sphynx and Elf cat breeder. She combines scientific knowledge with extensive hands-on experience in feline behaviour, training, kitten development and responsible breeding. Her work focuses on helping cat owners better understand feline behaviour through practical, evidence-based education and positive reinforcement training.

Educational Disclaimer

The information in this article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary diagnosis, treatment or individual behavioural assessment. Every cat is unique. If your cat is unwell, showing signs of pain, or displaying significant behavioural changes, seek advice from your veterinarian or a qualified feline behaviour professional.

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